"You hid deeply," Einar said to the Half-Elf, whom he had asked to meet in private. "I didn't think that Pazuzu had become that strong."
As soon as his companions finished receiving their treatment in the Academy's infirmary, the Barbarian Prince had come to look for Lux.
Einar had seen Lux's Named Creatures before, and among them, Pazuzu didn't stand out as a fighter.
Although his comrades didn't use their Trump Cards because they were forbidden to use them, he believed that the Fortress Defender hadn't shown his own Trump Cards either.
Truth be told, Einar was very surprised when he realized how much Lux had changed since the last time they met each other. The Half-Elf was radiating an aura of confidence like a veteran fighter who had fought countless battlefields.
"Well, he has faced many strong foes as of late," Lux replied. "So, tell me, what did you want to talk about in private?"
Einar looked at the Academy from the balcony of Iris' personal residence.
This was the most protected place in the Academy, so it was guaranteed that whatever comes out of their mouth wouldn't be heard by anyone.
"Since we have fought many battles together, and I recognize you as my temporary leader in the Sacred Dungeon, I'll be honest with you," Einar stated. "This time around, the representatives of the Vahan Empire might be a cut above us. I only heard this news from my father before I came here, and I believe that you will be told by your father as well before we leave for the Sacred Dungeon.
"However, I strongly advise you to be more lowkey this time. It is possible that the 'guest' of the Vahan Empire will forcefully take over the leadership of the operation by killing you once we enter the Sacred Dungeon."
Lux arched an eyebrow after hearing Einar's words.
He knew how proud the Barbarian was, and it would be very difficult to make Einar submit to others. For the Barbarian Prince to tell him something like this, meant that the guest coming from the Vahan Empire was truly a big shot.
A big shot that mustn't be offended at all costs.
But Lux only laughed internally. If a mere Initiate dared to try killing him inside the Sacred Dungeon, they would definitely find themselves at death's door.
However, curiosity won him over, so he decided to ask Einar who that guest was.
"Who is it?" Lux asked. "What faction do they belong to?"
"I don't know who it is because my old man is tightlipped," Einar replied. "But, for him to warn me that I shouldn't offend the guest from the Vahan Kingdom means only one thing—we are talking about someone that is coming from a powerful organization. At the very least, the information I received states that two Saints are acting as that person's bodyguards."
Lux's face immediately became grim after hearing Einar's explanation. If that guest was being guarded by two Saints, it certainly meant that they weren't simple people.
Saints weren't cabbages and, at most, a Kingdom would only have one.
Empires might have two, or even three of them at once, however, these powerhouses didn't have that much free time to act as bodyguards for a person.
Even Emperor Andreas only had a High-Ranker by his side. The Saint of his country would move only when their national interest was in danger. As long as it didn't come to that point, they would not actively participate in any large-scale wars, even if Emperor Andreas were to order them.
"Do you know what Kingdom or Empire they belong to?" Lux asked.
Einar shook his head. "All I know is that they come from a faraway place—farther than the neighboring Kingdoms and Empires of the Skystead Alliance."
Lux quieted down for a bit before nodding his head in understanding.
"Thank you for telling me this," Lux stated. "I'll also ask my father for information about these guests from the Vahan Empire."
Einar nodded. "Even though my Father told me to avoid offending this guest, that won't stop me from teaming up with you on this expedition."
The Barbarian Prince then gave Lux a devilish smile, which greatly enhanced his sharp features.
"If they want to form a team on their own, they are free to do so," Einar said. "I'll stick to the winning team, so I'm going with you."
Lux smirked and raised his closed fist.
Einar did the same and the two shared a fist bump as comrades who had fought side by side throughout the previous expeditions inside the Sacred Dungeon.
"I'm sure that Val feels the same, so you don't have to worry about us," Einar crossed his arms over his chest. "Even if the Six Kingdoms and the Xynnar War Pact align themselves with that guest, we will still go with you. I'm sure that Henrietta and her Guild Members will do the same.
"But, know this. If you and that person come to blows, I will just watch from the side. My old man doesn't want to have any conflicts with that organization, so I'll apologize in advance for not being there if ever your ass gets handed to you."
Lux chuckled after hearing Einar's statement.
Everyone thought of him as a troublemaker because of the conflicts he had with the Skystead Alliance, Xynnar War Pact, and even the Six Kingdoms.
However, as long as they were inside the Sacred Dungeon, where Saints are barred from entry, he was sure that he would be able to deal with anyone of the same Rank as him without much trouble.
The two then chatted about a few more things before parting ways on good terms.
'Life is never easy,' Lux thought. 'When one problem is solved, another one takes its place. I'd better find Father and ask him for all the information he has about this mysterious organization. My Guild is still not strong enough to fight against Saints.'
The Half-Elf sighed as he made his way toward the Headmaster's Office, where his Father, Alexander, was also waiting for his arrival.